MEASAT-3b confirmed for September 12 launch

By Colin Mann

August 14, 2014

Following confirmation from launch service provider Arianespace that its next Ariane 5 mission has transferred from the Spaceport’s Launcher Integration Building – where it was assembled, to the Final Assembly Building – where the dual-passenger payload will be installed, one of its launch customers, MEASAT, has revealed that the MEASAT-3b satellite has been scheduled for launch on September 12th MYT ( September 11th GFT) from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. MEASAT-3b and Optus 10 were originally scheduled for launch June 6th, but a postponement was called after Optus Networks informed Arianespace that its payload required additional verifications.

“MEASAT is pleased to be able to confirm the revised MEASAT-3b launch date,” said Paul Brown-Kenyon, Chief Executive Officer, MEASAT Satellite Systems. “Once operational, MEASAT-3b will be a key contributor to the Asian pay TV landscape, supporting Direct-To-Home television platforms serving more than 18 million households.”

MEASAT-3b’s 48 high-powered Ku-band transponders will expand Direct-To-Home and VSAT services across Malaysia, India, Indonesia and Australia. MEASAT-3b will be co-located with MEASAT-3 and MEASAT-3a at 91.5°E, creating the region’s most powerful and robust orbital location.